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I had no idea how much time passed as I lost myself to the dance. I was in my own world and I felt good. I didn't feel consumed by the crushing reality that had become my life. The music soothed my thoughts despite its rough edge. I felt nearly ready to pass out right there on the dance floor when my skin tightened and my stomach warmed. My hair stood erect as my eyes popped open. I knew this feeling. It was the feeling that consumed me when Jace was near. But he wasn't. He couldn't possibly be here. This was so not his scene!
I stumbled as I lost my connection to the music. "I need another drink."
"I think you've had enough, Liv." Trey said gently, but Trisha shook her head at him. I wanted to kiss her. She knew I needed this. I had to drown out all feeling until I couldn't even remember Jace's name. The fact that I felt the familiar sensation of his nearness when I knew with certainty it was impossible only solidified my determination to drown myself in tequila.
I walked to the bar with Trey glaring at my back. I knew I was stumbling, but I didn't care. So long as the bartender gave me what I asked for, all would be good. The night would end smoothly.
"Can I get another shot of tequila?" I called and his brows raised but he nodded.
The shot glass slid across the counter in exchange for money and I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up as a shiver travelled along the length of my spine. My eyes flickered up and icy blue eyes ensnared me. I couldn't move. My throat closed, feeling tight as I struggled to maintain even breaths.
Jace stood across the bar. His eyes were on mine, holding me captive. He was beautiful. He was so goddamned beautiful it hurt. Tears stung my eyes and my heart sunk into the pit of my stomach as I stared at him before lifting the shot to my lips and throwing it back. Despite the fact my throat felt as though it was closing against the air I desperately needed, it was more then welcoming to the flowing burn of tequila. I slammed the shot glass onto the bar again as I chalked up the courage to look back at Jace. He couldn't be here. Maybe I imagined him.
As soon as the thought flooded my mind, I knew it was bogus. Jace was here and he was only a few meters away from me. If I only moved toward him I could run my fingers along the hard contours of his chest. I could envelope myself in his scent…
No! Stop! I shook my head. I couldn't allow myself to think those things. They would do nothing but hurt me. What the hell was he doing here?
I forced myself to look back at the place Jace stood and found his jaw grinding tightly as he glared at me through narrowed cobalt eyes. His hands were fisted at his side and his silver gray dress shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, tucked into the waist of his black pants. His inked hair was an erotic sight if there ever was one. It looked fuckable. My fingers twitched with the need to run them through his hair and my stomach tightened. I needed another shot. ASAP!
Without thinking about the consequences of my actions, I called to the bartender over my shoulder. "I'll take another."
When I looked back at Jace, he was striding purposefully toward me. His eyes pierced through me, forcing me to remain frozen in place as he advanced. He looked mad. Fucking livid. Good for him.
"If she downs another drop of liquor, you'll find yourself jobless." Jace's words were clipped. His eyes never strayed from my face as he spoke to the bartender.
"Yes, Sir." I gasped at the bartender. The wimp only bowed his head and moved on down the bar to tend to a demanding drunken fool bellowing about a body shot.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, Jace?" I spat the words.
Oh holy hell, I was angry with him. How dare he leave me for seven weeks with no contact only to show up in my life unbidden when I finally found a way to let go of my feelings? Why the hell was he here? I didn't give a shit that I'd demanded he leave me and never show his face again. I didn't care that I knew I was to blame for the pain I'd endured at his loss. I was still unexplainably angry with him. No - I wasn't just angry with him. I was flipping fuming. I was on the brink of losing any and all rationality I had left within my grasp. He hurt me. His absence was a slow and agonizing death. How dare he waltz back into my life the first moment I start living again! How dare he?
"Let's go, Olivia." Jace's hand shot out and grasped hold of my wrist. The contact burned. Pleasure and pain. I felt as though I was coming home. As though I had found my reason for living…and at the same time…he left me robbed of movement and reason.
"I'm not going anywhere with you." I shook my head almost frantically and his blue eyes darkened dangerously. "How did you even know I was here? And why are you here?"
